Is it worth saving an empty trans case and bell housing?

[Tim Ayers]

I recently took in some parts. In the stash, was a model A trans. I offered it for sale complete, but had no takers. I took the gears out and sold them.

My space is limited and my question is it worth saving the empty case, top, & bellhousing? All parts are greasy, but rather nice. The case seems perfect.

I was planning on bringing them to Hershey and selling them cheaply, but I'd rather not lug around stuff that isn't going to sell.

Thoughts?

Please note, I hate scrapping parts, but I'm also a realist and want to avoid an ever increasing parts stash.

[alexiskai]

I'm told it's rare to find a bell housing that isn't cracked, so if yours is in good shape, there's a market for it.

[old ugly]

i think the tranny case if it is the later style would be a core for the place that does the syncro conversions. fyi the later style case would have had no shims on the cluster gear.

i have given lots of stuff away because it is too hard to deal with idiots over a low priced item.
i advertise and then sit stuff in the alley. first come first serve. i don't like wasting my time over a two bit item either.

that way the stuff gets used and doesnt impact me.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

I'm told it's rare to find a bell housing that isn't cracked, so if yours is in good shape, there's a market for it.

Thank you. Can you tell me where they generally crack so I can look?

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by old ugly

i think the tranny case if it is the later style would be a core for the place that does the syncro conversions. fyi the later style case would have had no shims on the cluster gear.

i have given lots of stuff away because it is too hard to deal with idiots over a low priced item.
i advertise and then sit stuff in the alley. first come first serve. i don't like wasting my time over a two bit item either.

that way the stuff gets used and doesnt impact me.

Thank you. It is the later style then. It had no shims.

[alexiskai]

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Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Thank you. Can you tell me where they generally crack so I can look?

I'm sorry, turns out it's the flywheel housing that frequently cracks. Never mind.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

I'm sorry, turns out it's the flywheel housing that frequently cracks. Never mind.

I may not be calling to the right thing. The part I am calling a "bell housing" is the part that bolts to the front of the trans, the pedals hang on them from the shaft and it has the cross shaft for the clutch release.

In the Model A world, is that the flywheel housing? I'm a V8 guy, so I'm still learning Model A's.

[katy]

A empty transmission case makes a good doorstop.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by katy

A empty transmission case makes a good doorstop.

Haha. Is a good complete top worth lugging around?

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I may not be calling to the right thing. The part I am calling a "bell housing" is the part that bolts to the front of the trans, the pedals hang on them from the shaft and it has the cross shaft for the clutch release.

Yeah, that's the bell housing. The flywheel housing has the engine mount surfaces on each side and a hole for the starter. It's part of the engine, it wouldn't be on a transmission.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

Yeah, that's the bell housing. The flywheel housing has the engine mount surfaces on each side and a hole for the starter. It's part of the engine, it wouldn't be on a transmission.

Got it. Thank you. Are bell housings worth selling cheap or is it scrap fodder?

[J Franklin]

If you are thinking of scrapping it, why not just offer it free to the hobby? There should be someone wanting the parts. Mitchell overdrive company is the one that may need the trans case.

[jak]

I cannot tell you how many transmission cases and bell housing's i've sent to the scrapper. They are like rabbits every collection i buy has 2,3,4 or more of each. I pick through them and keep the best to try sell them to anybody looking. But even at that i have a stack of bell housings 3-4 feet tall and at least one pallet of empty transmission cases. Even trying to give them away i've had no luck. And because of the weight and the size of the box required nobody wants to pay the shipping.

[ronn]

scrap it Tim. I tried giving away a complete rear, drums brakes and all-guy only wtd a certain model/year. yes it was free.
got 20. at the syracuse scrapper. didnt want to do it, but dont have 3 yrs to sell it.....

[jack backer]

Hold a flywheel housing with one finger, tap it with a wrench if it rings it’s good, if it clanks it’s cracked.

Empty A case and bellhousing? nobody pays up for anything…don’t agonize,scrap it

[daveymc29]

Try Mitchell's in Williams, CA. The want a core for building the syncro tranny. Sure they'd like to have it if it is good, the tower also maybe?

I have stitched up a few of the flywheel covers. Not sure how good they were but the didn't ring like an uncracked one. If yours will ring when suspended on a wire and gently struch with a wrench that should indicate no cracks. New ones are around $500. If throwing away, bear that in mind. Points restorer guys like originals. (Cracked ones make a "thus" sound, no ring.

[JBill]

I only discard Model A parts if I know they are being reproduced by reputable folks, and even then only when they are in very rough condition. Pretty sure bell housings and trans cases are not! Someday someone might be very glad to have them.

[Tim Ayers]

If I get time to de-grease them, I'll bring them to Hershey. I'll ask $5.00 a piece. Of course, everything is negotiable at Hershey.

[Synchro909]

I makes me cry to hear you guys telling someone to scrap those things. I grab every part, even gearbox cases and bell housings when I can - especially bell housings. RHD ones are not so easy to find and many are damaged and worn around the A frame ball socket. As for sending a complete rear end to scrap - that would never happen here but for me to even take it for free, it would be expensive by the time I got it home. Why don't you guys move a little closer!!!

[Tim Ayers]

I'll throw this out there. If anyone wants the case and bellhousing, come pick them up. I'd be happy to pass them along to someone who can use them.

[Chris in WNC]

transmission case with no cracks should be worth more than $5.
bell housings are common as pig tracks and seldom wear out or break, so you might end up giving it away......

[Terry, NJ]

My feeling is that since this stuff is 90+ y.o. people's castings are going to be failing from time to time. Case in point. Look at engine blocks. How many have you heard of that cracked? They weren't cracked at 50 y.o., or 60.......... but they cracked in the last 10 or 15 years. Metals are not supposed to age, but they do! So what was a block worth25 yeas ago? Today a good one, no cracks, is at a premium. Trans cases don't suffer so much heat, some but not so much. Me, I'd keep it. Somebody's gonna need it some day!

[ronn]

I makes me cry to hear you guys telling someone to scrap those things. I grab every part, even gearbox cases and bell housings when I can - especially bell housings. RHD ones are not so easy to find and many are damaged and worn around the A frame ball socket. As for sending a complete rear end to scrap - that would never happen here but for me to even take it for free, it would be expensive by the time I got it home. Why don't you guys move a little closer!!!

if you wtd an easier and better life, you'ld move to the states.....
__________________

[ronn]

Tim, dont trip on them and end up with a broken ankle. aint worth it....

some of you guys are far worse hoarders then me. hoard to believe!

[Ray in La Mesa]

If you have room to store them, save them for someone who needs them.

[Synchro909]

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Originally Posted by ronn

I makes me cry to hear you guys telling someone to scrap those things. I grab every part, even gearbox cases and bell housings when I can - especially bell housings. RHD ones are not so easy to find and many are damaged and worn around the A frame ball socket. As for sending a complete rear end to scrap - that would never happen here but for me to even take it for free, it would be expensive by the time I got it home. Why don't you guys move a little closer!!!

if you wtd an easier and better life, you'ld move to the states.....
__________________

I couldn't respond to that without getting political. I've been over there - I'll stay here, thanks

[ronn]

it was a joke........

[The Master Cylinder]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

I couldn't respond to that without getting political. I've been over there - I'll stay here, thanks

I wish more people felt the same...

[Gene F]

I have been known to give decent used parts to guys in my local chapter. The only stipulation is that it must go on the car within 60 days, and then they must go on an outing with our local club. No sense giving my part away if they are never going to drive their car.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by Gene F

I have been known to give decent used parts to guys in my local chapter. The only stipulation is that it must go on the car within 60 days, and then they must go on an outing with our local club. No sense giving my part away if they are never going to drive their car.

Good idea.


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[ronn]

Gene, when they dont do as you ask, do you give them a dirty look at club events?

[jack backer]

I love the club guys who keep their parts and labor cost down by using the “seminar” system..where you rope in the unsuspecting club member to fix your car..

[Rob Doe]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

If I get time to de-grease them, I'll bring them to Hershey. I'll ask $5.00 a piece. Of course, everything is negotiable at Hershey.

Tim, I will pay you $25.00 plus shipping for a nice 30-31 tranny case, the one without shims on the cluster. The same again for the bell housing if it rings and is not cracked. I guess I should ask where you are? But, I'm planning for a syncro trans so my daughter can drive the car without troubles.

What say you?

[Gene F]

Originally Posted by ronn

Gene, when they dont do as you ask, do you give them a dirty look at club events?

Well it hasn't happened yet.

[Robbie Horn]

My motto. "One man's trash is another man's treasure" with that if it's useable I don't scrap it or trash it. The parts off these cars are irreplaceable & there is someone out there that can use every part. Be patient. Well with that being said I realize that most people don't have any patience anymore. I do. why scrap something good that someone might need? i've been known to send stuff to someone on my dime for free. I've also been on the receiving end & it's great!!

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Robbie Horn

...i've been known to send stuff to someone on my dime for free...

Same here.

[JohninKuranda]

I have a multi-disc bell housing that I swapped out. I keep on looking at it and wondering if I could make a flower pot out of it!